Can My Dog Eat Oatmeal – Finding Out the Truth
Just because you find something hearty doesn’t mean it will be good for your pets. If you’re wondering, “can my dog eat oatmeal?” you are on the right path as a responsible pet owner. Although you share many activities with your dog, you have to be cautious about sharing food. Not all human foods are safe for dogs to eat. So, what about oatmeal?
Quick Answer:
Your dog can eat oatmeal in moderation, although you have to know which kinds. You also cannot add extra ingredients to their oatmeal.
Can My Dog Eat Oatmeal?
It's safe for dogs to eat plain oatmeal. But, you cannot give them the typical serving you have, complete with milk, grapes, raisins, chocolates, butter, salt, and other additives. These ingredients can be bad for your pet's health. Also, dogs cannot have flavored oatmeal, such as strawberry, blueberry, or cinnamon. These varieties may contain artificial sweeteners and sugar that are harmful to canines.
Is Oatmeal Good for Dogs?
Oatmeal is just as healthy for your dog as it is for you! It makes a good alternative to commercial dog treats if your pooch is allergic to grains and wheat. Oatmeal is high in fiber and contains antioxidants, minerals, nutrients. Here are some of the nutrients your dog gets from oatmeal:
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Phosphorous
- B Vitamins
- Vitamin A
Oatmeal also contains linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid that keeps your dog's skin healthy. It has soluble fiber that helps regulate your pet's blood glucose levels and bowel movement. Oats can help manage your dog's cholesterol levels, lowering their risk of cardiac problems and diabetes.
12 Human Foods Your Dogs Can Have and 5 They Must Avoid
So what are the foods you eat that you can share with your canine, and which ones should you hide whenever they're around? Here's the list:
12 Human Foods Dogs Can Eat
- Oatmeal. As long as you serve it cooked, without sugar, and always in moderation, it’s good food for your dogs.
- Yogurt. Look for the types with no artificial sweeteners and added sugar. Plain yogurt is rich in calcium and protein and can be a good treat for dogs with digestive issues.
- Peanut butter. It's rich in healthy fats and protein. You can give your dog a tablespoon of unsalted peanut butter occasionally. Make sure you look at the ingredients first and choose the kind without xylitol.
- Broccoli. While this is nutritious and rich in vitamins, this veggie should not comprise more than 10 percent of your canine's diet.
- Salmon. It has omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial to your dog's coat.
- Chicken. You can give your pet cooked chicken regularly. It is a rich source of protein, but make sure that you don't add seasonings.
- Cottage cheese. Only give this to your dogs if they don't have any problems with dairy. It is healthy and loaded with protein and calcium.
- Green beans. You can feed your pups fresh beans. Avoid giving them salted or canned beans. They are safe when eaten raw, but you can also cook them. They have low-calorie content and are loaded with vitamins, iron, and other nutrients.
- Pumpkin. Your dogs can have raw or canned pumpkin. It is rich in vitamin A and fiber and can also help alleviate symptoms of digestive issues.
- Eggs. You can give your pups scrambled eggs occasionally as a snack. Make sure it's well-cooked or else, it may be at risk of contamination, which can make your pet sick.
- Carrots. You can give them some strips of carrots to chew to help their teeth get stronger. This veggie is also rich in vitamins and fiber and has low-calorie content.
- Other cheese. You can occasionally give your pups low-fat mozzarella as a treat in small quantities.
5 Human Foods Dogs Shouldn't Eat
- Alcohol. Your dog can get intoxicated even after consuming a small amount of alcohol. This can lead to vomiting.
- Avocado. The bark, seeds, fruit, and leaves contain persin, a toxin that can cause difficulty in breathing and an upset stomach.
- Onions. Onions can damage your pup's red blood cells and make them ill.
- Raisins and grapes. They can cause kidney failure in your dogs.
- Chocolates. They contain methylxanthines, caffeine-like stimulants that can cause irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, or vomiting when ingested in large amounts.
Do Your Doggie Good Foods
While your dogs may appear like they can eat or munch whatever you give them, you must always check what they put in their mouths. Remember that some human foods can cause more harm than good to dogs, especially when ingested in large amounts.
Foods Not Fit For Dogs
Never give your dogs anything that can be toxic to them, no matter how delicious they may be. Post a list of prohibited foods in your kitchen so that you won't accidentally put their lives in danger.
The Benefits of Oatmeal for Dogs
Oatmeal is good for your dog's skin and coat. It helps regulate their bowel movement. It makes them healthy by managing their cholesterol levels and lowering their risk of having cardiac illnesses and diabetes.
How to Prepare Oatmeal for Your Dog?
The blander the oatmeal, the better it is for your dogs. Use whole grains and avoid instant oats. Cook the oats in plain water, and allow the oatmeal to cool before giving it to your pet.
Know the Right Portions
The rule of the thumb when it comes to the right portion of oatmeal for dogs is for every 20 pounds of their weight, you can give them a tablespoon of cooked oats.
Serve It the Smart Way
If your dog can tolerate eggs, you can add one in the oatmeal, but make sure it's cooked. This will boost the protein content of your pet's meal.
Feeding Frequency
While fiber is beneficial, too much of it in your dog's system can cause an upset in their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. If the dog is already having bowel or GI issues, you can give them a moderate serving of oatmeal to ease their discomfort. Always remember this safety tip whenever you find yourself asking, can my dog eat oatmeal?